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Implant Dentistry

Apr 27

What matters most in preventing dental implant failure?

By Dental Implant Failure, Dental Implants

I’ve decided to get dental implants this fall. I need 4 of them so this is really going to be a big expense for me, but I know it will be worth it. I know that a specialist is needed to place the implant and a dentist is needed to the crown on the implant. After reading online about dental implant failure, I am a little confused about which dentist is more important in preventing the implants from going bad. What matters most to get implants that will last? Is it the work of the surgeon or the work dentist who places the crown and the lab that is used? Marvel

Marvel – Good question. As you likely know, the process of receiving successful dental implants starts with careful planning and diagnostic studies. But quality implant fixtures, surgery, and a restoring dental crown are also crucial to the success of implants.

After implant surgery, the jawbone must properly heal and fuse with the dental implant. When it heals, the lab creates the restoration (dental crown) that is secured to the implant. The quality and fit of the dental crown prevents an improper bite. This can affect how long your dental implant will last.

If you receive a well-made implant crown and it’s placed incorrectly by your dentist, the implant may still fail if it wasn’t properly placed during surgery. This emphasizes the importance of finding a skilled implant surgeon and a restoring dentist.

Many people recognize the skill level required for quality dental implants and crowns and choose to find a board-certified prosthodontist. A prosthodontist has advanced training in implant placement and in proper crown creation and placement.

Before you choose a provider, we recommend that you visit several implant dentists. Get information on the credentials of the implant surgeon and the dentist who will be placing the crown. Even if you choose to prosthodontist for your care, verify his or her experience first.

 

This post is sponsored by board-certified prosthodontist Dr. Anthony LaVacca.

Apr 19

Can You Get Affordable Dental Implants at a School for Dentists?

By Affordable Dental Implants

For years I have been saving for dental implants. I’ve had some unpredictable employment issues lately and have been forced to save more money for family emergencies than I have been able to save for dental implants. So now I am exploring other ways to get implants. Most recently I have been checking into dental schools. I know the schools are regulated and students have to meet some hefty criteria and the work is checked by instructors, so I figure this is a safe controlled environment for me to get dental implants. I am just wondering if implants from a dental school are affordable. – Edmond T.

 

Edmond – Much of the success of dental implants depends on the skill of the implant dentist. Skilled practitioners have a 90% success rate. There is insufficient information on the success of implants that are placed by dental students.

While dental students are supervised by their instructors, they are not skilled implant dentists. The results you will receive are unpredictable. Students are still learning and although guided by an experienced dentist, they can make mistakes. Dental implant treatment is one aspect of oral health where mistakes can be costly and take months to correct.

If you select a dental school for your implants, keep in mind that your provider will be less experienced, which can increase the risk of difficulty in implant placement and healing. Thoroughly check for information on the reputation of the dental school and its implantology program before you make a decision.

Consider checking with credentialed prosthodontists in your area to find out how they make implants affordable for patients. At times work can be completed in phases. Financing and payment plans may also be available.

A discount on implants is not worth the risk. Insist on quality care from a skilled implant dentist.

This post is sponsored by Naperville board-certified prosthodontist Dr. Anthony LaVacca.

Apr 15

Disappointed With Prosthodontist’s Reaction to a Broken All on 4 Implant

By All-on-4 Dental Implants, Prosthodontist

I knew I wanted implants for my dentures and I decided to get 6 regular implants. After listening to my dentist over and over again talk about All on 4, I gave in. I got All on 4 in Feb. 2015 and 2 weeks ago when I was eating I heard an felt one of the implants snap.

Now I am told that the implant will need to be replaced. The old one will have be taken off and I can’t get a new one right away. We have to wait until the area heals and there is a possibility that I will need bone grafting and maybe one of the other implants will need to be redone too.

I am disgusted and this whole thing is ridiculous. I dropped a lot of cash on these implants and you would think that somebody would ensure the implants are in mint condition. The prosthodontist I have is too casual about the whole thing too. It’s just kind of a ‘we’ll fix it’ attitude without any explanation.

I want to know what happened. Why would an implant snap? Thanks Romia

Romia – We are sorry to hear about the difficulty with one of your All-On-Four implants. There are several reasons that an implant may snap.

One cause is the skill of the prosthodontist. The implants must be perfectly aligned and accurately placed to evenly distribute pressure on the implants. The slightest inaccuracy can exert pressure on an implant and cause it to snap.

A second possibility is the quality of the implant. Low-quality implants are a fraction of the cost of FDA-approved implants, but they are also a fraction of the quality. The effort to save money can be costly and compromise oral health.

You can ask your prosthodontist why he thinks the implant snapped, as well as what is being done this time to prevent the problem from recurring. It may be wise to consider getting a second opinion from an experienced prosthodontist. After an examination and a digital x-ray, he or she will let you know why the problem occurred and how it should be treated.

This post is sponsored by Naperville board-certified prosthodontist Dr. Anthony LaVacca.

Mar 30

Is this a realistic cost for All on 4 dental implants?

By All-on-4 Dental Implants, Dental Implants, Prosthodontist

I lost most of my teeth in a work accident that made a huge blow to my face. My dentist says I’m lucky that my jawbone didn’t break.  My face was disfigured and I have a long recovery. I have been scouting around for dental implants and quickly realized that I can’t afford to replace all of the missing teeth with implants. So I have to accept the fact that I need dentures. I can get all on 4. I found a place that said they will do all on 4 for 7k which is unbelievably low. I am just wondering why so big of a difference from the 3 other implant places I visited which were 4-5 times that cost. Were the other dentists just trying advantage of me? Thanks. Raj

Raj– The higher costs you received are more realistic for the All-On-4 procedure. Depending on where you live in the country and the specifics of your case, the cost will vary.

Some of the costs involved in proper implant placement are diagnostic studies, quality implant fixtures, implant surgery, and the placement of dentures on the implants. The second quote of $7000 raises a lot of concern. That is the quote that really sounds like an attempt to take advantage of you with inferior dental implants. The low cost will likely result in cheap implant fixtures or some type of shortcut that can result in an infection around the implants and complete implant failure.

If you want another valid opinion, we recommend that you see a skilled, reputable implant dentist who provides quality fixtures. The estimate that you receive should be more or less in the area of your initial quotes, but not significantly less. You can look for dentists with extensive training in implant dentistry, or a prosthodontist who perform every phase of the implant process.

This post is sponsored by board-certified prosthodontist Dr. Anthony LaVacca.

Mar 27

Replace ugly tooth with a dental implant

By Dental Implants

I have a tooth that looks horrible. It looks like it belongs in something’s mouth, not in a person’s mouth. The tooth is thin and pointy and the shape and color are even different from my other teeth. The tooth is on the left side but if I smile even slightly wide people notice it. I have heard a few thoughtless people joke about it. I want to do something about it now that I have better dental insurance. Can this tooth be pulled and replaced with a dental implant? Ivy

Ivy – If your tooth is healthy and structurally sound, it doesn’t need to be replaced with a dental implant. Dental implants replace missing teeth or teeth that cannot otherwise be saved, but nothing is as effective as keeping your natural teeth.

A prosthodontist can examine your tooth and let your know the options for improving its appearance and making it blend perfectly with your natural teeth. This is the time to consider if you want to improve your overall smile by having your teeth whitened. If so, your teeth should be whitened before you receive cosmetic dentistry.

If you need a porcelain veneer or porcelain crown to improve the appearance of your unsightly tooth, it can be made to match your whitened smile. In some cases, teeth whitening and reshaping alone can transform the look of your tooth, but if the tooth in question is narrower than your natural teeth, a porcelain crown or a porcelain veneer will probably be recommended.

Schedule a consultation with a few experienced prosthodontists to discuss your options. Ask to see pictures of patients with similar issues whose smile the dentist has transformed.

This post is sponsored by Naperville board-certified prosthodontist and implant dentist Dr. Anthony LaVacca.

Mar 21

Request for info on hybrid dentures

By Dentures

Hi. Can you simply explain what hybrid dentures are? What are the advantages or disadvantages? I will need dentures within the next few months. My dentist didn’t mention hybrid dentures as one of my options, but if I have to get a second opinion I will. Thanks. Milton

Milton – A hybrid denture combines a removable denture with dental implants. It is also known as an implant denture, fixed remove denture, or an implant-supported denture.

The base of the denture has metal components that attach to dental implants. You can remove the denture to clean it. As few as two implants can be used to support a denture, but for maximum stability, six to eight implants should be used.

Hybrid, or implant-supported dentures, won’t slip or fall out. The stability of the denture improves your speech and chewing efficiency. The clicking and popping that is sometimes heard with dentures will be eliminated. You will not need denture adhesive to keep your denture in place. The implants will also stimulate jawbone and prevent bone shrinkage and facial that occur when all of your teeth are missing.

Dental implants are surgically implanted in your jawbone. After two to six months, when the bone fuses to the implants, your denture will be fasted to the implants. You will be able to wear temporary dentures in the meantime.

Once the denture is stabilized, it will feel more like your natural teeth. If you receive dentures from a dentist who is trained in cosmetic dentistry, they will look natural too. Be certain to find a dentist who offers cosmetic dentures and implant-supported dentures to get natural-looking results.

Any disadvantages to a hybrid denture?

When compared with complete removable dentures, there few disadvantages. Hybrid dentures cost more, and there is a waiting period for the implants to heal until you receive your permanent denture.

Your medical history will be carefully reviewed to ensure you are a candidate for implants. If you are, your implant dentist will let you know your options for stabilizing your denture.

This post is sponsored by Naperville dentist Dr. Anthony LaVacca.

Feb 27

Looking for buy 1 get 1 half off dentures

By Dentures

My dentures are starting to wear out too fast. I am on my 5th set in life and I have only had these a year and they don’t fit already. I am wondering if there is some place out there that does something like buy one get one half off so I can always keep a spare set. Maybe I can alternate so that neither pair wears out too fast. I am just trying to think of some options to help the denture fit last longer without me replacing them so soon or having to get them relined every time I turn around. Morgan

Morgan – Buy one, get 50% off dentures are not the solution for your loose-fitting dentures. If you are on your fifth set, you have likely worn dentures for a long time.

Your teeth stimulate your jawbone. After years of missing all of your teeth, jawbone shrinkage occurs. Dentures that rest on the bone accelerate shrinkage. As you have experienced, new dentures quickly don’t fit correctly and need to be relined or replaced. We recommend that you speak with a prosthodontist about dental implants to stabilize your dentures.

Over time, implant-supported dentures are more economical than continually buying new dentures. When your dentures really do wear out and need to be replaced, new dentures can be modified to be secured to dental implants. You’ll never have to worry about loose dentures again.

There are various options for stabilizing your dentures, but the more implants you have, the more secure they will be. Find an experienced implant dentist or prosthodontist for a consultation to discuss your options.

This post is sponsored by board-certified prosthodontist and Naperville implant dentist Dr. Anthony LaVacca.

Feb 22

What Can I Eat After Dental Implant Surgery?

By Dental Implants, Mini Implants

After consultations with 4 different dentists, I finally decided that I have to do what is affordable for me. So I am going to get 6 mini implants. I figure that should be pretty good for my dentures and better than what I have now. My dentures pretty much lift every time I cough, sneeze or eat anything that isn’t soft. I haven’t made a final decision yet about which surgeon I am going to let do the implants.

I am trying to get as much information as I can about what to expect before and after the surgery. There isn’t much information on after care that I got from the brochures the dentists gave me. Specifically, I would like to know if my diet will be restricted after implant surgery. Will I have to be on liquids for a while, or what can I eat? Thanks. Danette

Danette – Immediately after your dental implant surgery, your intake will be mainly in liquid form. Drinks or smoothies that contain vegetable and protein will help you maintain your energy level.

Be certain to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Drink directly from the cup and do not use a straw. The sucking action from a straw can dislodge the blood clot and prolong the healing process.

Be sure to eat and drink something nourishing. Too much sugar will drain your energy.

After a few days, you can eat soft food. Hot food should be avoided. Soup (not too hot), yogurt, pudding, gelatin, or applesauce will not harm the implant site.

Crunchy foods can fall into the implant site and cause discomfort, pain, or bleeding.

Be certain to take in enough protein and liquids each day. It will help you feel better and heal faster.

This post is sponsored by Naperville implant dentist Dr. Anthony LaVacca.

Feb 11

Advice on getting All on 4 in Cancun

By All-on-4 Dental Implants

Something has to be done with my dentures. My son warned me about this in a nice way before I ever received dentures. Gum disease got the best of my teeth and the few I had left were pulled in January of 2014. I think my jawbone must have been bad before I ever got dentures because I had so many teeth missing. Now I need implants and am pretty much leaning toward All on 4. My dentist referred me to a surgeon and I saw another implant dentist and Clear Choice on my own. Last week I just happened to see a website from Cancun that lets me save more than half the cost of the implants here. That price includes everything, dentures and all. Even after travel and hotel I am still saving big bucks. I would really like to see these Cancun implant dentists in person though and maybe get second and third opinions from them. Can you recommend 2 more? – Earl

Earl – We are unable to recommend All-On-4 implant dentists outside the U.S. We recommend that you find a reliable way to experience, credentials, and education for each of the dentists in Mexico. Don’t depend on a website to give you the real facts.

Keep in mind that to ensure proper healing, all dental implants require multiple follow-up appointments during the weeks and months after surgery. Your dentists needs to check the implants, your gums, and jawbone for proper healing and any signs of complications. Will you return to Cancun for those follow-up appointments, or depend on a U.S. dentist for them? Most dental implants surgeries from a qualified surgeon are successful. If unanticipated problems arise, are you prepared to extend your stay or return to Mexico to see your dentist there?

The immediate dentures you receive when All-On-4 is first placed are not your permanent dentures. After the healing period, impressions will be taken to ensure your permanent dentures fit correctly. The new dentures will be secured to the implants. Another visit to the country where the implants are placed will be required.

We recommend that you factor in travel expenses for multiple follow-up appointments, an extended stay, or incidentals that may come up during or after the implant surgery. Specifically ask each dentist how many follow-up appointments are required. Remember that those appointments are estimates, provided everything goes well.

Carefully weigh the complete cost, as well as your pros and cons before you make a final decision.

This post is sponsored by board-certified prosthodontist Dr. Anthony LaVacca.

Jan 20

Avoiding dental implant failure

By Dental Implant Failure, Dental Implants

According to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, each year about 500,000 Americans get dental implants. Although no one can guarantee the success of your dental implants, there are some precautions that can be taken to help avoid implant failure. We’ll review four of them. Consider them vital. If an implant fails, it needs to be removed. There will be a healing period before the implant can be replaced. Also, poorly placed implants can damage nerves, sinus and more.

Dental Implant Failure Precautions

CT Scans

There are dentists who perform CT scans on a limited basis, and for some implant cases not at all. But performing them for every implant candidate can help prevent failure. Why? CT scans reveal more and ensure accurate implant placement. Cysts, polyps, nerves, sinuses, bone density, and other structures can be clearly seen with 3-D scans. An incorrectly placed dental implant can result in pain, suffering, and implant failure for the patient.

Dental Implant Fixtures

Top implant dentists use high-quality fixtures. Implant fixtures that have strict quality-control guidelines give you confidence that implants won’t fail because they are cheap or poorly made. Some dentists try to save money by using less expensive implants, but the sacrifice in quality is costly to the patient. Some of the top manufacturers are 3i, Astrotech, BioHorizons, Nobel Biocare, Straumann, and Zimmer.

The Implant Dentist

Implantology is not an officially recognized specialty, so any dentist can take courses and start placing implants. Look for advanced training and credentials. Accreditation, diplomate, or fellowship status reflect extensive training along with scrutiny of the dentist’s implant cases. There are quality implant dentists who do not have these credentials, but when you find one who does, it will help ensure that you get the results you want—quality implants that will last a lifetime.

This post is sponsored by Naperville board-certified prosthodontist and implant dentist Dr. Anthony LaVacca.

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